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Reflections on My Experience as a Tutorial Assistant for First-Year Criminology Students

 This semester, I had the opportunity to work as a tutorial assistant for first-year undergraduates taking 'Introducing Criminology'. Over the course of 12 weeks, I facilitated two tutorial groups every Monday, each lasting an hour. It was a unique and rewarding experience, not least because I remember taking the very same module in my first year of undergraduate studies back in 2019. To return to it now, as a second-year PhD student, but from the other side of the classroom, has given me a fresh perspective on both teaching and learning.

Structuring the Tutorials

The role of the tutorials was to complement the weekly lectures delivered by their primary lecturer. Each week, I would prepare activities and discussions to build on what the students had learned from the lecture, aiming to help them critically engage with the material and apply it in new ways.   I put a lot of thought into making the sessions as interactive and dynamic as possible, combining group discussions, pair work, and the use of digital tools like Mentimeter to encourage participation.

In the beginning, the students were understandably quiet and hesitant to contribute—it’s a familiar experience in a first-year classroom. But as the weeks went by, I noticed a gradual shift. They began engaging more openly, asking thoughtful questions, and debating ideas with one another. Seeing this progression was incredibly fulfilling, as it felt like I had helped foster a space where they felt comfortable to learn and grow.

The Joy of Preparation

Preparing for the tutorials was a surprisingly enjoyable part of the process. Each week, I reviewed the lecture content, identified key areas to focus on, and designed activities to encourage critical thinking and collaboration. Creating PowerPoint slides to guide the sessions helped me structure the discussions and keep the tutorials on track. While it was sometimes a challenge to come up with fresh ideas for engagement, the process of thinking creatively about how to present complex ideas in a digestible way was a great learning experience for me as well.

Reflecting on My Growth

Looking back, this experience has been both a professional and personal milestone. It allowed me to refine my teaching skills, practice classroom management, and develop a better understanding of how to engage diverse groups of learners. It also deepened my appreciation for the work of lecturers and tutors—something I took for granted as an undergraduate.

The experience also reminded me of the importance of patience and adaptability in teaching. Every group is different, and what works for one class may fall flat with another. Adapting my approach to each group's needs and dynamics has taught me to be adaptable and flexible in my planning.

Final Thoughts

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a tutorial assistant. Watching students develop their understanding of criminology and grow in confidence has been incredibly rewarding. This role has not only enhanced my teaching abilities but also enriched my ongoing journey as a PhD student. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me as I continue to pursue both my academic and professional goals.

For anyone considering a similar role, I’d highly recommend it—it’s a chance to give back, learn, and grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

Location: Northern Ireland, UK

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